Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says he knows how important tomorrow's clash with QPR is to the fans.

City were last crowned kings of England in 1968 and Mancini knows what this moment means to the blue half of Manchester.

He stressed: "I understand. We haven't won the title for 44 years and we are in a city where our cousins win every year. That is very difficult for our supporters.

"I hope I can change this. They are very happy. They want us to win one more game.

"It's a big game for City because it's the first time in a long time. We would like to win this championship for our supporters."

And Mancini joked: "They tell me I am a fantastic manager, the best manager!"

The City boss was in a light-hearted mood yesterday as the last mind games were being played out across Carrington at United's training base.

In his programme notes last week, Alex Ferguson said Mancini had an Italian attitude to shut up shot while the Red Devils remain the great attackers.

Mancini said: "I agree with him. I'm Italian and I can't change my mentality. He's Scottish. He's the best manager in the world. I agree with him."